Page:Amulet 1835.pdf/5

Rh

But foremost come two fairy ones With dark eyes filled with light, The very roses that they bear Can scarcely be more bright.

The youngest bears a single plant, One that herself has nursed; A far exotic from the South, The fairest and the first.

And they have tender hopes and fears To claim the votive vow; And parents, for whose precious sake Their prayers are ready now.

Blest be their lovely pilgrimage, Although they seek a shrine Hallowed by a believing faith Not unto us divine!

No banners in our humbler church Are waved, no flowers are strown; The sacrifice we offer up   Must in the heart be shown.

And that is much if truly given: Our vanity and pride, Our empty hopes, our fair deceits, Must there be all denied.